MANILA, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine government lifted its temporary ban on imports of livestock and related products from Hungary after international animal health authorities restored the country's foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free status, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday.
The decision allows the resumption of imports of FMD-susceptible animals, meat and animal by-products from Hungary. The DA said the ban was lifted after the World Organization for Animal Health restored Hungary's FMD-free status, confirming it complies with international animal health standards.
The DA said all imports will remain subject to existing sanitary and veterinary regulations. The department added that the move is part of its strategy to diversify agricultural supply sources, strengthen food security and reduce risks from animal disease outbreaks and disruptions to global supply chains. ■